United States atmospheric scientists have officially declared the start of El Niño, a natural weather phenomenon known for causing global temperature spikes and erratic weather. The event is predicted by climate models to potentially intensify into a rare "super" El Niño, possibly leading to record global heat by 2027.

• There is a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño, with sea surface temperatures potentially reaching 3.0°C above average.
• The declaration was made by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• This El Niño event threatens to cause severe economic, agricultural, and humanitarian disruptions globally, with historical impacts including catastrophic flooding and severe droughts.